Ballon d’Or on the table, smile on his lips, Lionel Messi presented himself to the media after receiving his eighth Ballon d’Or. The former Barça man wanted to chat, which is not his habit. Even if he avoided the most thorny subject: his season at PSG.
What did you think about when you went on stage?
Nothing, except that I was happy to be able to share this trophy with the Argentinians. It’s a prize for the entire Argentine selection, the Argentine people. The World Cup is a victory that I dedicate to the Argentinians, even if I also think of Barça.
What does this eighth Ballon d’Or represent?
All Ballons d’Or are special. I have had immense successes at Barça but the rewards I have obtained thanks to Argentina are even greater. Winning the World Cup was crazy and I hope we win again the next edition.
Do you think you are the best player in history?
I don’t know if I’m the best, I don’t ask myself the question and it doesn’t interest me. The fact that they say that I am one of the best is already an honor. All children want to play football and try to be one of the best.
“The World Cup is really special. It was the only thing I was missing.”
What impact did PSG have in this Ballon d’Or? And what memory do you keep of it?
I had to leave Paris for several reasons but I benefited a lot from it. I have good friends here, I was very happy and my children loved the city. They wanted to continue in France. From a sporting point of view, it’s not really what I was hoping for but I’m keeping all the good things and there are many of them.
Would you like to present this Ballon d’Or at the Parc des Princes?
I’m not sure that we (the public and him) want me to present the Ballon d’Or at the Park. With Kylian (Mbappé), we said a few words to each other, asked how we were. We have a good relationship, we have fought together in big matches.
Is this the best sporting year of your career?
I don’t know but she’s different from the others. I was able to play in the best teams in the world, win the Champions League, the Copa America but the World Cup is really special. It was the only thing I was missing, most importantly, I dreamed of it when I was a child. It’s so important in Argentina and I had this chance.
Are you considering returning to Barca as a coach?
I don’t think coaching is something that appeals to me. Today, if I could return to Barca, it would not be in this position but we can consider a collaboration, obviously. I don’t know if I’ll play for much longer but I want to continue. One way or another, I will always follow Barca and stay close to the club.
